Since being taken over by Luis Enrique Paris Saint-Germain have come alive in what is seen as Europe’s first fully complete unit and a very stern challenge for Arsenal in what should be the Champions League final.
The French and European champions booked their place in the final after a rocky tie against German Champion Bayern Munich, which ended 6-5 on aggregate. Despite Ousmane Dembele’s netting the first goal, Bayern managed to find the back of the net through Harry Kane, but it was not enough.
Since taking over at the Parisians in 2023, the team has been transformed under Luis Enrique from a side filled with talent over unit to a complete unit where work rate is key. With L. Messi, Kylian Mbapp, and Neymar all gone after a decade of superstar players leaving the club, it has allowed Enrique to stamp his own unique identity and make a clearly defined system where unity is the priority, as well as tempo and tactical discipline.
Captain Marquinhos is key to this new identity with his consistent display at the heart of defense. His experience and solidity at the back, along with Desire Doue’s attacking flair and unpredictable touch in attack, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s speed, mean Enrique has forged an outstanding unit.
In midfield, a trio of Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, and Joao Neves allows the Parisians control. Although not particularly physical, the trio are important for their ball retention, control with tempo on the ball, and their high work rate off the ball in all areas of the pitch.
They said that the work rate at PSG surprises people the most on this side under Enrique, with a fantastic pressing game, quick transitions, and an imposing performance to watch.
For Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, who have no appearances in the final since 20 years ago and no appearances in a final since the inception of the Premier League, the task is huge to overturn this complete side and deny Paris Saint-Germain what will be their third appearance in a Champions League final. There may not be many obvious weaknesses, but the Arsenal under Arteta’s system will need to be perfect to overturn such a well-oiled attacking machine and it promises to be one hell of a contest between two very strong teams.
These two giants will clash at the very end of the season as Luis Enrique’s remarkable transformation at PSG shows that it is now a complete and thrilling unit for Arsenal to have to break down if they are to lift the European trophy.
